Woman's A Cowboy

Prologue

This book involves abusive content but isn't too detailed.  Also,  this is the first book I've actually finished and I'm really proud.  I will be going through to edit,  but may miss details.  Let me know what you think!  Also,  I don't mean to offend or hurt anyone with my writing.  It is not my intent to upset anyone.  So please,  proceed at your own will.

My mother screamed from her place in the corner of the small kitchen.  My cheek burned from the slap my father had just delivered.  His eyes were red rimmed and raged.  I stared up at him,  terrified,  but used to the treatment.  After nineteen years,  I wasn't surprised my father had hit the bottle again.

"You worthless little brat! " He yelled,  slapping me again. 

I curled tighter into a ball,  shaking as I listened to him. 

"You couldn't have given me a son!? " This time he yelled at my mother. 

I scrambled from my place on the floor.  I straightened, my dusty skirt sliding against the hardwood floor of our musty kitchen. I stood as tall as my father, a stout six foot man. I may be worthless,  but he would not turn this on my mother. 

He looked dead into my eyes and I forced myself to stare at him.  I would memorize this look.  Memorize his hatred.  I'd done everything I could to earn his love,  and I had come to realize that day would never happen. 

"What do you think you are doing girl?! " He yelled. 

He lifted his hand to slap me again,  but I caught his wrist,  prepared to fight back. 

Slim barked and growled from outside,  knowing what was going on inside.  The Irish wolfhound stood four feet tall and could take anyone down,  which is why I had left him on the porch.  I didn't need him getting involved...  It only made things worse. 

"Let go,  girl, " He hissed. 

I shoved his arm back towards him and pushed his shoulder,  sending him sprawling onto his back.  He grunted and hit his head on the floor,  knocking out cold.  He'd be suffering,  but I was beyond being hurt by him. 

I looked back at my mother,  who was sobbing.  She looked up,  "Clementine."

"Lock yourself in your room.  Don't let him in until he's sobered up.  Ma,  I'm sorry I've disappointed you all.  I'm, " I choked back a sob,  "so sorry. "

And with that,  I rushed upstairs.  I closed the door to my room behind me,  turning the lock.  My face burned,  my body shook. 

I rushed towards my chest,  digging to the bottom and removing a pair of jeans I had gotten from the general store.  I undressed,  bound my chest with some cloth,  and changed. 

I wrapped a bandana around my neck,  braided my hair,  and tucked it underneath my white Stetson hat. 

I pulled on a pair of old boots I'd found in the cellar.  They were too small for my father but fit me perfectly. 

I then dug through the chest for my sack of money I'd saved,  my pair of matching pistols,  and my Bible. 

Without looking back,  I moved towards the window,  pushed it open,  and stepped out onto the roof. 

In a practiced motion,  I managed to get to the ground.  I made a bee line for the barn and towards my horse,  Buck. 

I grabbed the saddle and blanket and headed towards my horses stall.  He lifted his head,  nuzzling me as I adjusted his breast strap and saddle.

Moonlight reflected off of my dad's weapons cabinet.  As predicted,  he'd forgotten to lock it.  I removed his rifle and some ammunition before closing the door.  I strapped the gun to my back and felt something hit my hip.  I looked down and found Slim nuzzling me.

"I can't stay Slim.  Take care of Ma. "

With that,  I led Buck out of his stall and mounted,  leaving my father in my dust.